Tour · Trafalgar Tours · 9 nights

Essence of South Africa

Expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Stays at tried and trusted safari lodges
All transport, transfers, porterage and gratuities included

$6,342 pp twin share

9 nights

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Essence of South Africa Guided Tour

Essence South Africa Guided Tour Map

Departs 3 January 2027 Returns 28 December 2027

Duration9 nights

OperatorTrafalgar Tours

StyleTour

HighlightDiscover the highlights of South Africa, from Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain to the wildlife-rich Kruger region, on this immersive small group journey

Game drives in Kruger National Park. Visit to a Swazi Chief's village. Explore the scenic Garden Route and Cape Town

South Africa reveals itself here through game drives in Kruger, a visit to a Swazi Chief’s village, the Garden Route, Knysna and Cape Town’s Table Mountain, coast and cosmopolitan energy, all wrapped into one trip.

$6,342

pp twin share

Enquire

Refundable until 90 days before departure. No pressure.

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

3 January 2027

Returns

28 December 2027

Duration

9 nights

From pp twin share

$6,342 pp

03 Jan 2027 - 12 Jan 2027
from $7,595 pp twin share *
17 Jan 2027 - 26 Jan 2027
from $6,944.60 pp twin share *
14 Feb 2027 - 23 Feb 2027
from $7,595 pp twin share *
28 Feb 2027 - 09 Mar 2027
from $7,595 pp twin share *
14 Mar 2027 - 23 Mar 2027
from $6,944.60 pp twin share *
04 Apr 2027 - 13 Apr 2027
from $7,175 pp twin share *
18 Apr 2027 - 27 Apr 2027
from $6,566.60 pp twin share *
02 May 2027 - 11 May 2027
from $6,566.60 pp twin share *
16 May 2027 - 25 May 2027
from $6,925 pp twin share *
06 Jun 2027 - 15 Jun 2027
from $7,175 pp twin share *
20 Jun 2027 - 29 Jun 2027
from $6,341.60 pp twin share *
04 Jul 2027 - 13 Jul 2027
from $7,175 pp twin share *
18 Jul 2027 - 27 Jul 2027
from $7,175 pp twin share *
01 Aug 2027 - 10 Aug 2027
from $7,625 pp twin share *
15 Aug 2027 - 24 Aug 2027
from $7,625 pp twin share *
29 Aug 2027 - 07 Sep 2027
from $6,971.60 pp twin share *
12 Sep 2027 - 21 Sep 2027
from $6,971.60 pp twin share *
26 Sep 2027 - 05 Oct 2027
from $6,971.60 pp twin share *
10 Oct 2027 - 19 Oct 2027
from $6,971.60 pp twin share *
31 Oct 2027 - 09 Nov 2027
from $7,625 pp twin share *
14 Nov 2027 - 23 Nov 2027
from $7,625 pp twin share *
05 Dec 2027 - 14 Dec 2027
from $6,971.60 pp twin share *
19 Dec 2027 - 28 Dec 2027
from $7,625 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Welcome to Cape Town
South Africa’s ‘Mother City’ and her iconic Table Mountain extend a warm welcome as you embark on a small group journey that will reveal the highlights of South Africa. Spend the day delving into Cape Town’s cosmopolitan surrounds before joining your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a dinner.
2
Table Mountain and Tour Cape Town
This morning, you'll encounter Table Mountain first-hand, ascending via aerial cableway to its vast flat top – a rocky wonderland of rich Cape fynbos and curious dassies (hyraxes). Peer over the bustling City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard, keeping a keen eye out for the landmarks your Travel Director will show you during this morning's city tour, including the Company Gardens, Bo-Kaap and District Six Museum. The rest of the day is yours to explore Cape Town at leisure. Ramble up Bree Street to sample the city’s vibrant coffee culture or take a stroll along the Sea Point promenade with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Consider joining our Optional Experience to explore the infamous Robben Island, with your guide revealing its turbulent past and the cell where Nelson Mandela spent the majority of his prison term.
3
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula
Circumnavigate the Cape Peninsula, from trendy Camps Bay to Cape Point and back. With the crashing waves of the Atlantic to your right, the rocky 12 Apostles to your left, wind your way along one of the world’s most magnificent coastal roads towards the outcrop that is Africa’s most extreme south-western tip. Say a quiet hello to the shy penguins of Boulders Beach, admire the Cape of Good Hope and travel through charming coastal towns along the way.
4
Cape Winelands and Hermanus Excursion
Venture to the town of Franschhoek and discover during your orientation why it is proclaimed as one of the most beautiful wine valleys in the world. Enjoy a wine tasting at Rickety Bridge Winery, sampling a selection of local wines from the estate. Then, travel on to the coastal town of Hermanus for your Be My Guest experience. Meet local business owner Stefan, who will treat you to a delicious traditional braai (barbecue) featuring delicacies such as boerewors, pap and melktert. Over a glass of his homemade wine, he’ll share stories of his life in South Africa’s whale watching capital. Return to Cape Town via a scenic driving route, arriving in the late afternoon. Enjoy your evening at leisure.
5
From City to Safari
This morning, bid farewell to your Cape Town Travel Director and the Mother City before flying to Hoedspruit. Here, a private game reserve near Kruger National Park and your Safari Local Specialist for this next adventure await. Begin your time in the South African bushveld with a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at a Shangaan village, learning about their traditions, customs and way of life. Later, settle into Shiduli Private Game Lodge, a Stays with Stories accommodation and your home in the bush for the next three nights.
6
Safari in Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Your adventure begins with an early morning game drive through Karongwe Private Reserve with a Local Specialist game ranger and a Shangaan tracker-guide. As the sun rises, the bush come alive with the sights and sounds of awakening birds and insects. This creates the perfect backdrop for your search for the Big Five. After lunch, join a local ranger for a hands-on bush walk, where you’ll learn how to track animals and uncover the hidden stories of the African bush, followed by an afternoon game drive.
7
Seek out the 'Big Five' Safari Animals in Karongwe
Today, enjoy another full day of game drives through Karongwe Private Reserve. Continue exploring the dense brush with your Local Specialist for incredible encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife. End the day with a traditional sundowner drink overlooking the Game Reserve, keeping an eye out for wildlife emerging from their cover of darkness.
8
Journey to Johannesburg
This morning, have your camera ready for the last of your game drives. Bid farewell to your Safari Local Specialist before your flight to Johannesburg. Meet your Johannesburg Travel Director and check into your hotel in the heart of Sandton, ideally located for exploring the nearby restaurants and shopping during your free evening.
9
Discover Historical Soweto
Unlock the secrets of the 'City of Gold' on a full-day tour. Dive Into Culture during a visit to the Constitutional Hill, the Mandela House Museum and Regina Mundi Church, which chronicles South Africa's tumultuous Apartheid years.
10
Farewell Johannesburg
Our epic encounter with South Africa’s iconic sites comes to an end today. Transfer to Johannesburg International Airport for your onward flight.